Shillong: The North Eastern Council (NEC) disbursed Rs 76.78 crore across the northeastern states and regional agencies in December 2025, underscoring its focus on infrastructure creation, livelihood support, cultural development, and research-led initiatives in the region.
An official NEC statement said Meghalaya received Rs 13.45 crore during the month for a range of development works.
The funding covered tourism infrastructure projects at Laitlyngkot (Lamlyer) in East Khasi Hills, as well as the development of the Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban Cultural Complex at Lum Shat Sngi, Kenches Trace, in Shillong.
Among the key projects supported was the construction of an RCC G+4 commercial complex at Iewdak Laban Municipal Market, intended for the sale of agricultural and horticultural produce, handicrafts, piggery and floriculture products.
Funds were also allocated for the construction of school buildings at several locations, including RKM School and areas such as Laidiengsai, Mawrah, Laitryngew, Wahlong, Pynursla, Pomsohmen and Nongkynrih.
Additional works undertaken during the period included pipeline realignment, creation of utility ducts, construction of public toilets at five locations, development of waste management facilities, and lighting, painting and beautification of buildings.
Replacement of supply lines along the main approach road to Iewduh market was also taken up.
Under the NESIDS (Roads) programme, the NEC released Rs 3 crore for road improvement works in Meghalaya, including the Shillong city–Umroi Airport road.
The project is expected to enhance connectivity and benefit around 10 villages with a combined population of nearly 7,300.
Beyond state-specific allocations, the NEC disbursed Rs 26.47 crore to regional and other agencies for project and non-project activities across the Northeast.
These interventions included the establishment of kiwi orchards, sponsorship of education for boarder and day scholars, setting up of banana tissue culture units, GI registration of regional crops and commodities, pig breeding facilities, promotion of medicinal and aromatic plant-based livelihoods, high-tech horticulture nurseries, smoked meat production units, and integrated agriculture projects involving fisheries and piggery.
The council also supported advanced research initiatives, including 5G use-case development for addressing societal challenges and a socio-ecological and economic study of Sone Beel aimed at sustainable management.
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Non-project activities during the period ranged from youth cultural exchange programmes and festivals to handloom and handicraft fairs, women empowerment initiatives, sports events, academic workshops, and capacity-building programmes focused on AI-enabled digital transformation, governance and entrepreneurship.
These initiatives were implemented through institutions and agencies such as NERCRMS, NEDFi, NEHHDC, NERAMAC, USTM, Assam University, Mizoram University and several regional societies.
Meanwhile, the NEC completed the establishment of a Model Handloom Production Centre at Marngar in Ri-Bhoi district in December 2025.
Implemented under the industries sector at a cost of Rs 1.43 crore, the centre aims to revive traditional handloom practices, strengthen skills—particularly among women weavers—and improve the market competitiveness of Meghalaya’s handloom products.
